As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, we shine a light on Maria. A story of resilience and empowerment that speaks to the theme: Invest in Women.
Honduras is one of the most dangerous countries to be an environmental defender.
The ‘dry corridor’ of Western Honduras presents a tough landscape, where farmers battle against the harsh realities of climate change, violence and economic instability. Deforestation is a huge issue. Forest burning is common, to make space for farming land.
Climate-induced disasters such as Hurricane Iota and Eta – and the Covid pandemic – have also impacted communities.
There are not many women who do beekeeping. It’s just me harvesting bees. Most women are in the domestic sphere.
Meet Maria
Maria is defying the odds as a pioneering beekeeper in Honduras. She started to actively work on the ‘frontline’ of beekeeping just this year.
Her journey, supported by Christian Aid partners like Comision de Accion Social Menonita (CASM), exemplifies the transformative power of empowerment and community support.
Based in the ‘dry corridor’ in Honduras, she works alongside her husband as an entrepreneurial beekeeping team.
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We’ve been working together, as a couple, for 10 years... This year, I decided to try and start harvesting honey, and said to my husband, I’m going with you! I managed to harvest four beehives. I had a curiosity in my mind, and I needed to fulfil that.
Partnering for change
With coffee and maize farming increasingly difficult due to the climate crisis, diversifying income streams and farming methods has been vital for Maria and Jose.
‘Before the honey, there was nothing to sell. So now it’s another job we have to take on, but also another source of income. With the honey income, thanks to CASM, we can invest in farming and meet our family expenses. We are using our income to obtain more beehives, and buy food and other essentials for the family.’
Maria's partnership with CASM underscores the importance of diversifying livelihoods in the face of challenges like the climate crisis.
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CASM supported us with organic agriculture at the beginning, and an improved cookstove. We have a vegetable garden now, with organic produce for the family. We use less wood, and there is less smoke in the kitchen.
‘We were affected by the hurricanes. 60% of our crops were lost due to Hurricane Iota. There has been a decrease in coffee yields due to the climate.'
CASM provides beekeeping equipment, such as beekeeping suits, and provide training and technical assistance to support honey production, coffee farming, and fruit production.
Your donation could help fund change for people like Maria who are breaking barriers in the face of adversity.
Challenging the norms and paving the way
Through beekeeping, Maria and her husband Jose have found a lifeline. One that not only sustains their family but also empowers Maria to break barriers. Machismo culture is ingrained in Honduras. Women face a high rate of gender-based violence and lack economic opportunities and voice – in public and domestic spheres.
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Fuelled by curiosity and a desire for change, Maria took the leap, embarking on a journey that transformed her life and inspired others around her. Maria's journey has ignited a spark of entrepreneurship among other women in her community.
'There are not many women who do beekeeping. It’s just me harvesting bees. Most women are in the domestic sphere. There is no entrepreneurship for women here. Other women now want to follow my example.'
Other women now want to follow my example.
Hope in the face of adversity
But Maria's story isn't just about beekeeping; it's about resilience in the face of adversity. The devastating impacts of hurricanes left their mark on Maria's family. Climate change looms large, threatening livelihoods and exacerbating food insecurity.
Yet, Maria remains steadfast in her commitment to the environment and her family's future.
As Maria tends to her bees, she also nurtures dreams for her children's future. Despite limited formal education, Maria has dreams for her daughter to surpass her achievements:
“I only did 3rd grade primary school, so I expect my children to go further than me. My daughter is in 3rd grade and going up and up, which I’m glad about.
'My daughter just won a beauty contest at school; third place. Children are also evaluated on communication skills and knowledge in this contest, not just being pretty. So we are happy about it.’
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